Posted on

What is RPL and How Does it Apply to Australian Vocational Training?

Gained real-world skills in your job or completed courses that didn't align to an Australian Qualification? Maybe you can gain recognition for these skills and knowledge...

If you’ve gained skills and experience through work, volunteering, or life in general — Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) could be your pathway to a formal qualification, without having to start from scratch.

RPL is an important part of the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. It offers individuals a formal way to have their existing skills and knowledge assessed and recognised.

What is RPL?

RPL stands for Recognition of Prior Learning. It is an assessment process used by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia to evaluate an individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience against the requirements of a Nationally Recognised qualification or unit of competency.

The core idea of RPL is that learning does not only occur in formal educational settings. People gain valuable competencies through work experience, volunteer roles, community involvement, informal training, and life experience. RPL provides a structured way to assess this informal and non-formal learning.

Examples of RPL:

- A person who has managed projects in their workplace might be eligible for RPL towards a qualification in project management.

- A business owner who has managed their own accounts may be eligible for RPL towards an accounting qualification.

Who Can consider RPL?

RPL could be ideal for;

· Workers with years of on-the-job experience but with no formal qualification.

· Migrants with overseas qualifications or experience.

· Career changers wanting to enter a new industry.

· Volunteers or carers with valuable practical skills.

· Business owners and managers with informal training.

How Does RPL Work at NBIA?

The RPL process involves several steps;

1. Initial Consultation: The candidate completes an ‘Application for RPL’ form and discusses their goals and experience with an assessor to determine if RPL is suitable.

2. Evidence Collection: The candidate provides evidence of their skills and knowledge. This might include:

· Work samples or portfolios of evidence

· Resume, job descriptions and performance reviews

· Third party reports from supervisors/ direct managers

· Certificates or records of previous training attendance and completion

· Photographs or videos of work performed

3. Assessment: NBIA’s assessor reviews and evaluates the evidence against the competency standards of the relevant qualification or units.

4. Outcome: If the evidence is sufficient, the candidate is awarded full or partial recognition. If there are gaps, the assessor may suggest additional training or evidence.

5. Certification: Upon successful completion, the individual receives a nationally recognised qualification or statement of attainment.

Benefits of RPL in Vocational Training

RPL can offer several advantages, such as:

· Time-saving: Candidates can avoid re-training in skills or knowledge that they already have. Therefore, gaining their accreditation sooner.

· Cost-Effective: If you are not taking the time/duration to complete the training and assessments, you will overall save money.

· Workforce Mobility: Workers can access new roles or industries more easily with formal recognition of their skills.

· Increased Confidence: Receiving a formal qualification can boost self-esteem and motivation.

· Supports Diversity: RPL is especially beneficial for migrants, mature-aged workers, Indigenous Australians, and people returning to the workforce who may have significant informal learning.

RPL and the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

RPL is a formal part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which governs all nationally recognised education and training within Australia. The AQF ensures that qualifications, whether achieved through traditional study or RPL, meet the same national standards. This means that RPL outcomes are just as credible and consistent as those earned through formal learning, giving you confidence in the value of your qualification.

Challenges and Considerations

While RPL offers significant benefits, it also comes with some challenges:

· Evidence Requirements: Candidates must provide adequate and verifiable evidence, which can be time-consuming or difficult to gather.

· Rules of Evidence in Assessment: RPL submitted evidence, must be valid, sufficient, authentic and current – as well as meet the elements, performance criteria, knowledge evidence & assessment criteria of a unit of competency.

· Higher Education subjects vs Vocational Education units – Higher Education subjects completed at universities may not meet the direct requirements of Vocational Education units of competency.

· Awareness and Access: Many people are unaware that RPL exists or don’t know how to apply.

To address these challenges, NBIA continues to improve our RPL processes, promote awareness and support candidates through the process.

Conclusion

Recognition of Prior Learning is a powerful tool in the Australian vocational training landscape. It values real-world experience, supports flexible learning pathways, and helps individuals achieve formal qualifications that reflect their true capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a career changer, or someone returning to the workforce, RPL can be a practical and rewarding option on your education and employment journey.

At the National Business Institute of Australia (NBIA), our qualified trainers and assessors are knowledgeable and supportive in the assessing of RPL with our students. We continue to create industry-ready graduates through all assessment methods at the highest standards. If you are reading and think that this could apply to you, please talk to our friendly Course Advisors prior to enrolling in one of our courses, today!

Back to Blog